ethics essay topics upsc

UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 31 years (1993-2023) for Civil Services IAS/IPS Exam Free Download

In the UPSC mains examination, essay paper is worth 250 marks and three hours. Here is the topic wise questions from the earlier years for the benefit of civil service IAS IPS aspirants.

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 federalism, decentralization, 1.3 administration, 1.4 judiciary, 1.5 poverty, social justice, 1.6 indian society, culture and values, 1.7 media, tv & cinema, literature, 2.1 growth vs development, 2.2 environment vs development, 2.4 sectors of economy, 3.1 values in education, 3.2 scheme implementation, 3.3 higher education, 4.1 character, honesty, ethics, 4.2 knowledge, 4.3 compassion, 4.4 truth and reality, 4.5 youth, discipline, 4.6 towards excellence, 5.1 @national politics, 5.2 @world / quote type, 5.3 empowerment overall, 5.4 compared to men, 6.1 globalization, 6.2 international org./ bilateral, 6.3 security, 6.4 history, 7.1 science and religion, 7.2 science and education, 7.3 computer and internet, 7.4 sci-tech: others, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2023, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2022, appendix: model answer pe free lecture & powerpoint, appendix: syllabus of essay paper in upsc, 1 india: democracy, administration, society, culture.

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• There are better practices to “best practices”. -2021
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
• Need for transparency in public administration -1996
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।) – 2023
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (कवि संसार के अनधिकृत रूप से विधायक होते हैं) – 2022

2 Economy, Development

• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence (आर्थिक समृद्धि हासिल करने के मामले में वन सर्वोत्तम प्रतिमान होते हैं।) – 2022
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3 Education

• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in – school. (- शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में विधालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities (हर असमंजस के लिए मुस्कराहट ही चुनिन्दा साधन है) – 2022
• Philosophy of wantlessness is a Utopian, while materialism is a chimera. -2021
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. -2021
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
• Life is a long journey between being human and being humane.  (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
• Wisdom finds truth -2019
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।) – 2023
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।) – 2023
• The real is rational and the rational is real. -2021
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining (छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो) – 2022
• You cannot step twice in the same river (आप उसी नदी में दोबारा नहीं उतर सकते) – 2022
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।) – 2023
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।) – 2023
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है) – 2023
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) – 2022
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5 Women empowerment

• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. -2021
• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. -2021
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

7 Science-Technology

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! -2021
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. -2021
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

Section-A (write any one)

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।)
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।)
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।)
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है)

Section-B (write any one)

• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. (-लड़कियां बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएं हैं।)
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।)
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।)

Answer one-one essay from each section in 1000-1200 words

• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (इतिहास वैज्ञानिक मनुष्य के रूमानी मनुष्य पर विजय हासिल करने का एक सिलसिला है।) – 2022
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) & 2022
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022

Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Ethics UPSC Test Series

Ethics UPSC Test Series - 2024 (Only)

Ethics test series 2024 (7 tests), course fee: ₹. 3,499/-, batch date: 21 july 2024.

Download Essay Test Series Date Schedule starting 21 July.

Ethics For UPSC: HIGHLIGHTS

• 7 High-Quality Essay Tests for UPSC CSE Mains 2024 (crafted from themes of previous years). These test papers will be evaluated with meticulous attention to detail. This series is exclusively designed for candidates appearing in the UPSC CSE Mains 2024 . It aims to thoroughly assess and prepare candidates before the Grand Finale  of Essay Paper (mains) on September 20, 2024.
• Exclusive Theme-wise Holistic Notes for in-depth understanding.
• Detailed discussion after every test.
• One-on-one test discussions with the faculty after copy evaluation.
• Model hint answers for every UPSC essay test.
• Model Essays are prepared using innovative approaches that reflect the actual UPSC exam pattern.
• Comprehensive coverage of most important topics from Yojana, Kurukshetra, Front Line and other important Magazines.

Ethics Writing for UPSC (CSE)

Understanding the concept of essay writing.

An essay is a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything. – Aldous Huxley, a British critic, explains that an essay is a “flexible form of writing that allows for in-depth discussion on a wide range of topics, expressed in a personal and insightful way.”

Generally speaking, there are two main types of essays: formal and informal. For the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), we focus on the formal kind. Formal essays are serious and not personal. The writer is like an expert and avoids emotional language. These essays often include facts, such as statistics from government reports.

Formal essays are different from informal writing. They don’t use a conversational tone or first-person pronouns like “I” or “we.” They don’t try to be close to the reader. A formal essay is mainly about being serious and clear.

Essay Writing For UPSC (CSE)

• In the CSE essay test, candidates have to write two essays in a 3-hour time frame. Each essay should be within 1000-1200 words. Each essay is worth 125 marks, which makes a total of 250 marks for both essays.
• Structure of the Essay Paper: The essay part of the paper is split into two sections, Section A and Section B. In each section, there are four different essay topics given. Candidates need to choose and write one essay from each section, making sure they pick wisely.
• Writing Guidelines: The rules for writing are clearly stated in the syllabus. Candidates need to stick closely to the topic of their essays and organize their thoughts in a clear, systematic way. The syllabus also mentions that writing that is both effective and makes sense will earn credit.
• Importance of Keywords: The focus on specific keywords in the instructions is crucial. These keywords are not just part of the essay content; they are the main criteria for evaluating the essays. Understanding and following these guidelines is key to performing well in the essay writing part of the CSE.

How To Start UPSC Essay Writing

As the saying goes, practice leads to perfection. Practicing well improves essay writing. For high scores, regular practice is important. But first, it’s essential to understand the basics of a good essay. We need to know how to structure an essay well. We’ll look into planning essays effectively and adding elements that make essays stand out. It’s also important to learn how to fit all this within the time limit. Mastering these skills will help in writing essays that score higher.

Understanding the Basic Structure of an Essay

The standard way to structure an essay is to break it into paragraphs, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the body paragraphs, the writer fits in all their main ideas and arguments.

• Types of Body Paragraphs: Body paragraphs can be supportive, critical, or narrative. A good method is to start with a narrative paragraph that details the topic, followed by supportive paragraphs with positive information about the topic. Although critical paragraphs are often placed at the end, there are no fixed rules. Sometimes, starting with a critical paragraph can be effective, depending on the topic.
• The Role of the Introduction: The introduction is a vital part of the essay. It creates the first impression on the examiner. A well-crafted introduction can positively influence the reader. The strategy for writing a strong introduction will be covered later.
• The Importance of a Good Conclusion: Similarly, a well-written conclusion can earn extra marks. It’s where the writer wraps up the essay and reinforces their main points. Tips for writing a compelling conclusion will also be discussed in more detail later. This part of the essay is crucial for leaving a strong final impression. All this you learn in best test series for essay UPSC.

Core Idea of the Central Thesis

(Main argument or primary point around which an entire essay writing is structured.)

In expanding on this idea, it’s useful to consider additional aspects like the role of government, policy-making and cultural influences. These factors contribute to both social justice and economic growth. This approach helps to emphasize that for a society to thrive, it needs both economic prosperity and social justice, not just one or the other.

• In another essay asked in CSE 2022 – “ Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. ” This implies that poets, though not officially recognized, significantly impact society through their poetry. The essay should discuss the ways poets influence our thoughts and the world around us. 

The essay could explore the historical, cultural, and societal impact of poets. It should consider how poets sway public opinion and inspire social movements (including Indian Independence movement) without formal power. To thoroughly cover this topic, examining various perspectives is essential, such as the emotional influence of poetry or its role in times of societal change. This analytical aspect is taught by this UPSC coaching when a candidate join essay test series UPSC.

Strategizing for Essay Writing through Brainstorming

Brainstorming is key before you start writing an essay. It helps you collect all your thoughts in one place. There aren’t strict rules for how to do it. A good way is to focus on your topic and write down everything that comes to mind. It’s useful to use a whole page for this, so you have plenty of space for your ideas. This method makes sure you have a lot of thoughts to work with when you write your essay.

Improving Your Essay with Key Elements

In a good CSE essay, including various elements and dimensions is key. Here are some basic rules for adding these to your essay.

• Foremost among these guidelines is – always stick to Constitutional values . For CSE essays, it’s vital that the principles embedded in the Constitution are reflected in the ideas, problems, or solutions discussed. Never support anything that goes against it.
• While addressing issues, maintaining a democratic perspective is important . Keep the concept of ‘freedom and equality’ as your guiding principles, whether you’re suggesting solutions or critiquing events.
• Avoid taking extreme positions . The best approach to complex problems is often finding a middle ground.
• Don’t generalize too much. Instead, your approach should demonstrate patience, justice, and understanding.
• Lastly, there are two additional aspects to remember for the CSE essay. (A) Do not challenge the essay topic itself . In simpler terms, don’t contradict your own stance. Choose a viewpoint (preferably a balanced one) and consistently adhere to it throughout the essay. (B) Be cautious about presenting things that are universally viewed negatively in a positive light , and vice versa. For example, avoid portraying ‘terrorism’ as a form of freedom struggle, even though sayings like ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ are popular. It’s important to recognize the generally accepted connotations of such terms and not to misuse them.

Essential Elements in a CSE Essay

• For a well-written CSE essay, focus on three fundamental elements. These are considered the cornerstone – social, political, and economic aspects . These are integral in forming a comprehensive and insightful essay.
• You can also add more depth with other dimensions like Constitutional, legal, technological, or technical aspects. These help broaden the essay’s perspective. Makes it more engaging and informative.
• Another crucial component is the personal touch. Personal experiences or anecdotes can make your essay more effective. But they should be used within ethical boundaries and relevant to the essay’s theme. This balance between personal insights and professional ethics can improve the quality and impact of the essay. (Remember, participating in test series for UPSC is important, as mastering the art of writing is vital for achieving high marks in the Mains exam.)

Drafting an Essay Outline

• Before writing your essay, it’s a good idea to outline it. This means deciding what to include in the introduction and conclusion. Determining the order of your ideas, and choosing which quotes or references to use.
• Making a rough outline helps you see the entire essay before you start writing. This process gives you an overall view, helping you identify any potential gaps or areas that need more attention.
• There’s a common saying that if you can determine the conclusion of your essay, the rest of the writing becomes easier. Knowing your conclusion in advance can guide the entire essay. It provides a clear direction right from the start and ensuring that you conclude your essay confidently and effectively.

Managing Time Effectively in Essay Writing for CSE

In the CSE exam, you have three hours to write two essays, meaning each essay gets 1 hour and 30 minutes. Allocate about 45 minutes to an hour for writing the essay itself. Set aside an extra 10 minutes for revising each essay. This planning leaves you with approximately 30 minutes to prepare the essay, including brainstorming and outlining.

How to Introduce the Essay

• The aim of your essay’s introduction is to spark the reader’s interest in the topic and lay the groundwork for what follows.
• Start your introduction with a brief explanation of the essay topic. Add interest by including personal experiences, relevant stories, or meaningful quotes.
• The introduction should be clear, avoiding any confusion. Its job is to clarify the topic right away, clearing up any doubts the reader might have. A clear, straightforward introduction sets the right tone for the rest of the essay, guiding the reader into your main arguments smoothly and effectively.

Structuring Paragraphs in an Essay

• When writing paragraphs in an essay, the concluding sentence of each paragraph serves a dual purpose. Rather than just signaling the end of the paragraph, it often acts as a bridge to the next one. This approach helps in maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the essay.
• The Known-to-New writing order involves starting with familiar or established ideas. Then gradually introducing new or less known concepts. This method allows the reader to build on their existing knowledge as they progress through the essay.
• The Simple-to-Complex order involves beginning with basic, easily understandable concepts. Then progressively introducing more complex ideas. This technique helps in gradually deepening the reader’s understanding.
• To enrich the content of the paragraphs, one might employ the FREQOES method . (FREQOES stands for – Facts and statistics, Reasons, Examples, Quotes, Opinions, Experiences, Senses.) Also use PESTLE Analysis to figure out the various aspects, dimensions, factors etc of any given topic. (PESTLE analysis stands for Political – Economic – Sociological – Technological – Legal – Environmental analysis). These approach can be a valuable tool in adding depth and variety to the different sections of the essay. This ensures that each paragraph contributes effectively to the overall narrative.

How To Conclude Essay

• The conclusion of an essay plays a crucial role in smoothly wrapping up the discussion. It’s important to remember that a compelling conclusion is as important as a strong introduction. Both plays important role in scoring high marks.
• There are several effective ways to conclude an essay. One method involves briefly restating the main points using different wording. As well as, effectively summarizing the essay’s core arguments. Another approach, to suggest future directions or actions based on the essay’s discussion. Alternatively, you could enhance the conclusion with a personal comment. Even you can use a relevant anecdote that ties back to the essay’s theme.
• A popular technique for concluding an essay is the ‘cyclic return’. Here you loop back to the topic or scenario presented in the introduction. This method creates a full-circle narrative that many essays utilize for a coherent and impactful ending.
• The best conclusion has a positive tone, finding hope/optimism in challenging topics. It needs to be clear and brief, summing up the essay’s ideas. This way, the conclusion leaves a strong, lasting impression on the reader.

Polishing Your Essay through Revision

• The revision process involves thoroughly reading your entire essay. While reviewing, use a scale and pencil to underline key words or phrases. This step is crucial for identifying and correcting any spelling or grammatical errors. Additionally, ensure that the pages of your essay appear neat and well-organized.
• During revision, you might find it necessary to add or remove certain words for clarity or impact. However, this should be done judiciously and not excessively. It’s generally not recommended to introduce entirely new ideas or sentences during the revision phase. Except in cases where such additions are essential for the completeness of the essay. This approach helps maintain the original flow and structure of the essay while making necessary refinements.

Tips to Improve Essay Writing Skills

• A useful tip for CSE essay writing is to go through essays from previous exams. This helps you understand the required concepts, dimensions, and solutions for various topics. Learning to simplify complex social issues is crucial for writing a good CSE essay . If you are a beginner you can join UPSC online coaching and the mentor will help you to simplify the complex tasks.
• It’s also helpful to have a collection of impactful quotes, phrases, and citable anecdotes. Keeping these ready can help you in writing essays on any subject. This preparation ensures you’re well-equipped to create engaging, well-informed and insightful essays.

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FAQs About Ethics Test Series

The best test series for essays trains you in the structure of a good UPSC essay. Following below mentioned points can help you in essay writing for UPSC.

• The introductory paragraph should clearly indicate the topic you will cover in your essay, and consider starting your essay with a quote that is relevant to the theme.
• Clearly articulate your central argument or main point.
• You can strengthen your arguments with relevant quotes, but never modifying the words of well-known individuals/personalities.
• Clearly indicate your approach to answering the questions, the direction of your essay (where), and the rationale behind it (why).
• Fresh insights and unique analyses are generally appreciated by the evaluator.
• Make sure to show how your main points are interconnected.
• Guide the evaluator through your response in a coherent and sequential manner.
• Arrange related information into well-structured paragraphs.
• In your final paragraph, you can present your conclusions.

The topics for the essay for UPSC test papers can vary widely. However, they generally fall into certain broad categories, which might include:

• Current Affairs and Social Issues:  Topics could relate to recent events in the news or long-standing social issues like poverty, education, healthcare, etc.
• Political Issues:  Topics related to governance, democracy, and other political issues might be included.
• Economic Issues:  Topics could relate to economic policies, globalization, fiscal deficits, etc.
• Environmental Issues:  Climate change, environmental degradation, sustainable development, etc., could be potential topics.
• Technology:  Issues related to the impact of technology on society, data privacy, and others may also be covered. For example: Chandrayaan-3 (for UPSC 2024 essay paper).
• Philosophical:  Sometimes, abstract topics that require deep thinking, such as the meaning of freedom or the role of ethics in politics, might be given.
• Historical and Cultural Topics:  Topics could range from specific events in Indian history to cultural practices and their relevance today.
• International Relations:  Topics here could involve India’s relations with other countries, global issues like terrorism, etc.
• Legal and Constitutional Issues:  Issues related to the Indian Constitution, law, justice, etc., might be topics for the essay.
• Ethical and Moral Issues:  Topics might include discussions on morality, ethics, value systems, etc.

Given the broad range of potential topics, it’s essential to be well-versed in diverse issues and to practice writing essays on various subjects to prepare effectively for the UPSC essay paper.

Choosing between an  “Essay without Mentorship” course  and an  “Essay with Mentorship” course  for UPSC preparation ultimately depends on your individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Here is a breakdown to help you decide:

Essay without Mentorship:: Pros: – Self-Paced Learning:  You can go through the materials and practice at your own pace, which is helpful if you have an irregular schedule. – Cost-Effective:  Typically, these courses are less expensive as they don’t include mentorship guidance. – Resource-Intensive:  These types of courses often provide a wealth of material that you can refer to multiple times. – Self-Assessment:  Allows you to develop the ability to improve your essays writing, with the evaluated copy. Cons: – Lack of Personal Guidance:  Without a mentor, you won’t have personalized feedback, which might slow down your progress. – Potential for Confusion:  When stuck, you may not have immediate resources to clarify doubts or improve.

Essay with Mentorship: Pros: – Personalized Feedback:  A mentor can provide targeted advice, helping you work on your specific weaknesses. – Accountability:  Regular check-ins can keep you on track and motivate you to stick to your study schedule. – Clarification and Doubt Solving:  Immediate clarification of doubts ensures a smoother and more effective learning process. – Strategic Approach:  Mentors can help you form a study plan and guide you through it, thereby making your preparation more focused and efficient. Cons: – Cost:  This option is generally more expensive due to the personalized guidance provided.

To conclude, if you have prior experience in essay writing, the “Essay without Mentorship” course may suffice. If you are new to UPSC essay requirements, the “Essay with Mentorship” option would be more beneficial. Choose your essay course plan based on your needs and level of expertise in essay writing for UPSC exams.

The UPSC Civil Services Mains examination includes an Essay paper where candidates are generally required to write two essays. The paper is divided into two sections, each containing a set of topics, and candidates are usually instructed to write one essay from each section. The Essay paper is designed to test candidates on various fronts including comprehension, expression, and the ability to present ideas coherently.

Structure for IAS Essay: Two Sections:  Section A and Section B. Choices:  Each section usually has four essay topics. You are required to pick one topic from each section. Word Limit:  The expected word count is generally around 1000-1200 words per essay. Total Marks:  250 marks. 125 marks for 1 essay. Topics:  The essay topics can vary widely and may include subjects like: – Social Issues – Governance – International Relations – Philosophy – Science and Technology – Quotations – Current Affairs, etc.

Evaluation Criteria: The essays are assessed based on several factors, including but not limited to: – Content relevance and depth – Structure and organization – Clarity and coherence – Grammatical accuracy – Critical analysis and interpretation – Presentation and format

Skills Tested: – Comprehension of the given topics – Clarity of thought – Effectiveness in communication – Intellectual and critical thinking The Essay paper is often considered a game-changer in the UPSC exams because doing exceptionally well in this paper can boost your rank significantly.

Yes. It is the true test of an aspirant’s Awareness, Innovation, Inclusive Thinking, Organisational Skills and what not. Over the years essay paper has evolved as a true game changer in the mains examination and we can easily testify this fact with marks of recurrent toppers. Essay paper has contributed immensely in the top ranking aspirants’ score.

Furthermore, essay doesn’t require any specific preparation or to read any specific book for that matter. It is purely a skill and can be developed only through practice in right direction with right approach. Hence to equip the aspirants with pivotal skill of writing good quality essay for UPSC Elite IAS is delighted to announce yet another essay course for UPSC.

Note : Writing essay test series UPSC, makes you a disciplined smart learner. If you study a section without writing practice, it will keep your understanding efficiency incomplete. UPSC appreciates your knowledge with brevity, and this art could be learned only by repeated answer writing training. So, when you read something and simultaneously appear in the test, it has a dual effect (i) you improve your answer writing skill (ii) receive suggestions for improvement from experts. (Both are necessary to fetch better marks in the real mains exam of UPSC.) Nowadays, writing essay for UPSC is almost essential and it would be a rational decision to  EVALUATE YOURSELF BEFORE THE UPSC EVALUATES YOU

For Detail Information Please Contact to Elite IAS Academy for UPSC Exam preparation.  Call:  7065202020, 8410000036   Email:  [email protected]

Useful Readings: How to write an Effective Essay in IAS Exam? IAS Topper Shares Strategy to Ace the Essay Paper In UPSC CSE Exam Tips to Boost Your Memory for UPSC Exam! Essay Paper, Mains, CSE: Some of the Best Resources to Prepare for it Best IAS Interview Questions

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GS Paper IV Strategy

Special Series for better understanding of Ethics – Part I

CASE STUDIES RELATED – PART II

GS paper IV is perhaps the most intriguing and misunderstood part of the UPSC syllabus. You almost have the feeling that it is in your reach, somewhere in your mind, may be your subconscious thoughts. You see those generic terms like integrity, honesty and governance and immediately have a feeling that you can nail the paper. After all it is all about ideas. And boy! You are never short of ideas, are you??

Remember the university days. No matter what you knew and how much you knew, filling pages was no big deal for you. But only if that could hold true with UPSC as well! Unfortunately, our university machismo doesn’t augur well with UPSC. The examiners are quality starved and they won’t accept anything below Hyderabadi Biryani, forget about the street food of Rajindernagar. But the question is do we have the ingredients to cook that delicious, finger licking Biryani? Don’t worry by the time you are done with this write up, you shall have those ingredients. It is our promise.

So how do you think we should approach the syllabus? The UPSC syllabus designates a name for the paper. It calls it GS Paper IV. Does it mean that we should prepare it as the other three GS papers. Should we start making notes of all the terms and terminologies, views and ideas of thinkers and philosophers, psychological theories related to attitude and aptitude, principles of governance; and the list goes on. Or do we have to think and act differently or we rephrase our word–smartly?

We think our smart generation must act smartly. Acting smartly doesn’t mean following utopian shortcuts as they lead you nowhere. It only means we must act in the most efficient and effective manner keeping in mind the demands of the syllabus and of course the time constraint.

Now let us begin by saying a simple yet important thing: Ethics, integrity and honesty should form a common theme during your entire preparation and not only for GS paper IV. It should be like a canopy similar to that of a topical rainforest covering the entire region and not like the sporadic bushes and shrubs of the deserts, popping here and there sporadically. Consistency in our thinking is the most important ingredient of success in this paper. What we are trying to convey is that one can’t FAKE ethical behavior.

Even if one does manage that, inconsistency would be visible all over his/her answer sheet and that leads to only one thing–failure. So for the sake of this examination we have to be considerate as human beings to everything around us, be it society, environment, friends, foes, relatives and all that surrounds us. Is it too much to ask for? We don’t think so. We are all good people. You may disagree with our assessment but let us tell you that more often than not we all shall be good than evil.

May be that this cruel examination process and the intense competition have injected some undesirable traits in few of us but at the end of the day we are all good. So how does that matter to our preparation for GS paper IV?

It matters because our assessment of a situation is driven by our personality and character. It is thus futile to learn the concepts of paper IV from various sources and websites and try implementing them in the examination hall. Even if one does so, the superficiality of his/her intentions would be readily visible in the answers. This paper requires an honest foundation that one can’t find in books or websites. They are ingrained in all of us. We just need to revisit the school days of our innocent childhood.

We knew certain things for sure those days. We knew lying was bad, stealing was even worse and hurting someone was an open invitation to punishment by our parents or teachers. So simple was life and its principles. However, today we love to complicate things. We have internalized the notions of relative honesty and comparative moral behavior. We assess our wrong doings by judging and quantifying the action of others. We also justify our actions on many flimsy grounds which induce social acceptance and rather promote collective loss of character and integrity. But believe us, the more you complicate things, the more it becomes difficult to hide your true personality and character.

UPSC knows this dilemma well and that is why we are asked to answer so many question in such a short duration of time that after the initial few questions our original thoughts start getting reflected in the answer sheet. All the philosophers and their teachings are blown away by the series of questions posed by UPSC. Neither Aristotle nor Plato comes to your rescue. You yourself become philosopher and university instincts take you over . You just pour your thoughts on the paper forgetting all the cautions related to balanced views, word limits, use of quotes, presentation techniques. You see the papers filled by you and feel happy about it as if you are the only one doing that.

You become more of yourself with your original thought process lying naked on the answer sheet. And this is the point when your fate is locked by the examiner . If you are an honest person, the same will reflect in your answers and you shall be awarded good marks. But if you have that typical DNA injected by some coaching institute and you try to fake your thoughts by presenting some pre cooked answers, you stand a thin chance in this paper.

So what do we do? Don’t we need to follow any book? Don’t we need to prepare for this paper? Yes! you do. But more important than the list of books and websites is the need to understand the soul of this paper. As we said before all the traits demanded by the syllabus should flow like a common theme in your answers and it is possible only when we enter into dialogues with each other and more importantly with ourselves. Introspection of your own behavior and self contemplation would teach you more than anything else. It doesn’t mean that you become a Sanyasi or ascetic.

It simply means knowing yourself and asking those obvious questions having not so obvious answers. What do you want in your life? What does happiness mean to you? How important are friends to you? How do you see your family in your life? What qualities do you want to see in your partner? What changes do you want to see around you? How do you feel about the current state of society? How can you contribute to change it? How do you feel when you see a young couple doing PDA in a public place? Should girls be allowed to wear short clothes? Would you allow your wife to go to work and let her wear clothes of her choice? The answers to these questions flow from two different parts of your body–mind and soul. Your mind would follow rationality and logic while your heart shall follow the gut feeling or intuition.

For example rationality and logic says that a girl should be independent to wear the clothes of her liking but when it comes to your girlfriend or wife, your heart makes you overprotective and uncomfortable with your partner exercising such choice. This exam is all about balancing these extremes. Internalize your intuitions but at the same time get hold of logic and rationality. It is an art and you can master this art through honesty. Discuss your feelings with your peers, family and guide. Defend your thoughts and at the same time be receptive to criticism as well. Listen to others and if you find their arguments logical enough, simply own them.

It will broaden your horizons. Talk to people of different religion, gender and regions. Exchange ideas with them. Write down you feelings, revisit them after few days and see whether your thought process has changed or not. All this shall not take much of your time. In fact all those unnecessary speculations about cut offs and best test series in the market can be replaced by reasoned communication. Remember, we are all aspiring to become civil servants and thus our outlook, dialogues and thought process should reflect some responsibility.

Finally, we provide you with the sources and strategies for the individual components of the syllabus. This is the basic foundation work that you have to do. We shall build upon the superstructure in due course of time.

We will be recommending very few, yet highly useful sources for this paper – not for you to mug up and reproduce in the examination hall, but to sharpen your thinking and writing style. In this paper, you should be original in writing and logical in your views.

Before we begin the strategy, few things to note :

• You need NOT study ethics for hours and hours daily like you do for GS.
• You should NOT start studying ethics ‘ 1 year’ before the exam! Thats too much for a paper that does not require more than 2-3 months of selective and cursory (sketchy) reading. Otherwise your answers will start looking more academic, and will be punished severely.
• You should NOT study complex ethical jargon (not definitions) and heavy philosophical stuff. Study only what is needed to handle an administrative life and ethical dilemmas.
• You should NOT start mugging up quotes , thinkers, catchy lines etc just to impress the examiner. He is looking for ‘YOUR’ understanding and point of view. It is however no harm in quoting others once or twice in your answers.
• You should focus more on a logical writing style rather than a deeply twisted philosophical one. The Examiner is looking for your arguments, not philosophies.
• And most importantly, do NOT ‘force’ morality in your answers. It is hard to do and looks artificial too. If you are moral, it would automatically reflect in your answers.
• Try implementing what you learn from books into real life . It really feels better, and makes you a better human being!

So, we will start with the steps, one by one, for preparing ethics paper.

Step 1: Scan Syllabus and Mindmaps

Go through all UPSC syllabus properly and then the detailed syllabus mindmaps on our website to understand the demands of the syllabus.

The mindmap is only indicative, not exhaustive. However, it covers a very large part of the syllabus.

Step 2: Scan UPSC Previous year papers

Also see the first sample paper that UPSC released.

You will see that the questions asked are very general in nature and no specific/academic study is required for them. Only an overview of the sources mentioned below will do.

Specially, observe the kind of case studies; and personal opinion based questions (for e.g. how can you prove yourself as eligible for administration of such a high responsibility etc.)

Step 3: Watch Justice Harvard Videos

Now, before starting up to read anything, we recommend you to go through Justice Harvard Videos Michael Sandel. This will provide you a real insight into what exactly is the domain of ethics and morality. And it will radically broaden your thinking horizon.

You need not watch all the videos to begin with. Watch a few videos, and then cover them later up as you find time.

Only If you cannot access the video due to internet limitations, read the book on the same videos – Justice: What’s the right thing to do? by Michael Sandel.

Step 4: Track and note ethical issues in news

Keep an eye on latest developments in India and World on ethical issues; make a note of them; and write your personal viewpoint on them.

To give you example of an ethical issue– Disarmament issues between nations (like US and Iran) – How ethical it is for US to ask Iran to stop enriching its Uranium, when USA itself has a stockpile of Nuclear weapons?

Other examples – Euthanasia and its practice in India- what is your view? Clinical trials – how ethical they are? etc.

If you have made a note of them, you can even quote them as examples in your answers.

Step 5: Books/Sources to refer topic wise

1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Have a look at these Mind Maps- Click on the mind maps to save as image. 

For the above refer to two sources :

One, the book – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by G Subba Rao and PN Roy Chowdhary – refer selected chapters. Since the book discusses the subject a little academically, you only need to grasp the overall understanding of the topic, and note some useful points that you can use in your answers.

Two, IGNOU Ethics material – ( Download here )

• Chapter 1 and 2 of Block-1 Introduction to Ethics
• Chapter 3 of Block -2 Ethical Foundations
• Chapter 2, 3 and 4 of Block – 3 – Applied Ethics
• Chapter 1 and 2 of Block 4 – Current Ethical Debates

Three, Lexicon- More than Subba Rao- You can refer this book. Its short and precise.

These too discuss some academic stuff, but if you have gone through the detailed syllabus mindmaps, you will know what to leave and what to read.

No need to read in detail. Just gather ideas, concepts and way of dealing with the subject.

If you have covered the above, you will cover a large part of Ethic’s core syllabus.

2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion

Read 12 th NCERT Psychology – Chapter 6 on Attitude and Social cognition. Read chapter 7 – Social Influence and Group processes in a sketchy manner. Don’t go into details. Just grasp central ideas.

After covering these, cover only in-text examples/illustrations from the Subba rao book from the chapter on attitude. He has given several good examples that will help you understand the practical applications and case studies.

For moral and political attitude, a general reading on internet would suffice. Just understand the determining factors and their implications for our polity and society.

3. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections

Go through Subba Rao’s exclusively dedicated chapters on aptitude in civil services. The highlights of your reading should be important examples; terminologies (their meaning and application in administrative life); constitutional and legal provisions; and contemporary developments (for e.g. the recent amendment in All India Service Conduct Rules; Bastar Collector Amit Kataria warned for violating service rules etc.)

4. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

You need not refer any other source than Subba Rao for this topic – dealt very comprehensively. Read the entire chapter line by line and solve all the questions given at the end of the chapter.

5. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world

You can refer to Subba Rao’s first few chapters for this OR IGNOU’s chapter 3 and 4 – Block 1- Introduction to Ethics. Need not read both.

Instead of mugging up their ideas and philosophy try understanding the context of their contributions; and their significance for present day world.

UPSC will either ask your opinion on their ideas or may ask you to name your favourite moral thinker and explain the relevance of his ideas for you and our society.

6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance

Since all these topics can have so many dimensions, first refer to the detailed syllabus mindmaps to understand the above in detail.

Then, first refer to Subba Rao . He has dedicated a lot of chapters specifically on all these topics. Need not go into detailed provisions, an overall view with certain important case studies /illustrations will do.

Then read, Ethical concerns in public administration by IGNOU

Combine the sources of this with the ones mentioned for Probity in Governance below.

Since questions from this topic will be based mostly from current affairs ; you need not read too much static material for this.

You may be asked to give solutions to current administrative problems and dilemmas (like say whistleblowing), so keep your opinion on these issues ready.

7.  Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: ethical issues in international relations and funding ; corporate governance.

For Ethical issues in International relations, read IGNOU Chapter -1 – International Ethics of Block 3- Applied Ethics. This is more than sufficient to understand the concepts and related issues. Supplement your reading with ethical issues in contemporary international issues.

For corporate governance also, the most important is current affairs (e.g. Shardha scam, Sahara issue, Satyam scam, Companies Act, 2013, SEBI guidelines etc.). Make notes of major corporate governance related issues from newspapers.

For the static, first go to the detailed syllabus mindmaps and know the sub-topics under corporate governance.

After this read these very comprehensive and useful reports

• SEBI’s Committee report on Corporate Governance chaired by N Narayanmurthy.
• SEBI’s consultative paper on Corporate governance – Covers A to Z of corporate governance – but skip the details wherever given in the report

Then from Subba Rao’s book cover some of the topics which are left out (see Mindmaps for how much covered by reports).

Finally, left out issues that have been mentioned in Mindmaps (not covered in Subba Rao), can be covered from the internet and About MCA in Ministry of Corporate affairs website.

8. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Again refer to the chapters dedicated to these in Subba Rao. That will cover a major portion. Topic of corruption has been dealt comprehensively in this book.

Then refer to 2 nd ARC’s report on Ethics in Governance – Only first two chapters – Introduction and Ethical Framework.

Then read 2 nd ARC’s report on Code of Conduct

Finally, go through some of the 2 nd ARC’s

• Questionnaire on Ethics in governance
• Questionnaire on Civil Services Reforms
• Reforms in Governance and Administration

Very important and relevant questions are there in these questionnaires which can be verbatim asked in UPSC mains.

9. Case studies on the above

The detailed syllabus mindmap is very important to refer here. It opens up several dimensions of case studies.

Case studies will be not only from ethical issues but also present day burning problems like brain drain; reforms in Indian police; Land acquisition issues; disaster management etc. You should also refer to the previous year papers for some examples.

You can find some case studies on

• USC Dornsife

Moreover, on our website we will be launching a separate section for Ethics questions and case studies . We hope that will be immensely helpful to aspirants.

Step 6: Right approach

Just keep these words from UPSC in mind before you start reading for this paper – “ This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.”

So, your approach matters more than your content in the examination. We have already talked in  great detail about the right approach. Practice logical writing, because that shows coherence and order in your approach to situations. And, finally don’t only read moral stuff, do moral stuff!

Step 7: Writing practice with IAS Baba

• Think Learn and Perform (TLP)

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Ethics Previous Year Questions (PYQs) | UPSC Mains Examination

• 1.1 Topic: Ethics Theoretical Framework: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values–lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values:
• 1.2 Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance: 
• 1.3 Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service,integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship,objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption:
• 1.4 Trend of ethics previous year questions (PYQs) for UPSC Mains

On this page, you will find all the updates related to the previous year’s questions of subject Ethics for the UPSC IAS Mains examination.

General Studies Paper- IV i ncludes topics of ethics, aptitude and integrity. This paper includes questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. 

Topic: Ethics Theoretical Framework: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values–lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values:

Q1. What do you understand by ‘Values’ and ‘Ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q2. Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q3. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q4. “The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” what do you understand by this statement?How can this principle be implemented in public life? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]

Q5. What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in Public Administration? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]

Q6. Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the Gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples,describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]

Q7. The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]

Q8.In the context of defense services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]

Q9. All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]

Q10. Differentiate between the following (i) Law and ethics (ii) Ethical management and management of ethics (iii) Discrimination and preferential treatment(iv) Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics [150 Words] [10 Marks][2015][200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]

Q11. Social values are more important than economic values.Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]

Q12. What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]

Q13.Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]

Q14. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]

Q15. Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some“ enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]

Q16. Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]

Q17. With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance: 

Topic: aptitude and foundational values for civil service,integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship,objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. public/civil service values and ethics in public administration: status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. probity in governance: concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; information sharing and transparency in government, right to information, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, citizen’s charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption:.

Q53. In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically examine. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]

Q54. What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context  of corporate governance of India? Illustrate with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]

Q56. (a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023] (b) ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]

Q57.  Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?  Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]

Q31 . Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022] (b) “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]

Q32. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]

Trend of ethics previous year questions (PYQs) for UPSC Mains

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Prelims 2024 current affairs.

• Art and Culture
• Indian Economy
• Science and Technology
• Environment  & Ecology
• International Relations
• Polity &  Nation
• Important Bills and Acts
• International Organizations
• Index, Reports and Summits
• Government Schemes and Programs
• Miscellaneous
• Species in news

All India Open Test(Simulator X)

• UPSC History Notes
• UPSC Geography Notes
• UPSC Polity Notes
• UPSC Ethics Notes
• UPSC Economics Notes
• UPSC Science and Technology Notes
• UPSC Govt. Schemes Notes
• UPSC eligibility-criteria
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Exam Pattern
• UPSC Admit Card
• UPSC Optional Subject
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus
• UPSC Main Exam Pattern
• UPSC prelims-2024-exam-pattern

Ethics Chapter-Wise Study Material And Notes For UPSC Exam 2024

• What is Attitude? Impact of Beliefs And Values on Attitude
• Relationship Between Freedom And Discipline
• Relation of Attitude to Thought and Behavior
• Political Attitude and its Impact on Society
• Impartiality and Non-Partisanship
• Peer Pressure
• Self Actualization
• Morality - Definition, Importance, Evolution and Examples

Emotional Intelligence

• What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)
• Science of Emotion: Mechanism, Types and Importance
• Ethics in Economic Sanctions
• Three Basic Values Universal in Nature

Ethics and Human Interface

• What is Ethics? | Definition, Dimension, Types, Examples
• Empathy - Definition, Types & Examples
• Human Values - Concept and Importance
• Dimensions and Essence of Ethics
• Normative Ethics - Definition, Theory, Importance & Examples
• Virtue Ethics
• Difference Between Ethics and Morality
• Ethics In Economic Life
• Consequences Of Ethical Human Actions
• Group Influences
• Ethical Issues
• Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Relation
• Ethical Dilemmas in Public and Private Institutions
• Human Values and Socialization
• Code of Ethics
• Environmental Ethics: Types, Importance, Examples

Ethics in Public Admistration

• Concept of Public Service
• Persuasion Tactics and Tools of Persuasion
• Integrity: Importance and Challenges
• Contribution to Society by Civil Services
• Ethics in Private Relationship
• Ethics is Knowing the Difference Between What You Have the Right to Do and What is Right to Do
• “Code of Ethics” and “Code of Conduct”

Civil Service Value

• Tolerance and Compassion for the Weaker Section
• Values of Effective Public Servants
• Ways to Develop Emotional Intelligence Among Civil Servants
• Principles Followed by Civil Servants in Public Interest
• What is Bureaucracy? Definition, Characteristics, and Impact

Probity in Governance

• Overview Of Crisis Of Conscience
• Social Influence and Persuasion
• Ethical Values Faced by Day-to-Day Functioning
• What is Corruption?
• Role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its Funding

Moral Thinnking and Philosophers

• Contribution Of Family And Society In Inculcating Values
• Constitutional Morality - Meaning, Significance and Scope
• Approaches of Ethical Study: Indian Perspective and Western Perspective
• Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Others Important Topics on Ethics Asked In UPSC Exam

• Contribution of Family in Value Education
• Relation of Educational Institutions with Inculcating Value
• Alcoholism In India
• Social and Ethical Perspective
• Schools of Indian Philosophy
• What is Vigilant Citizens? Importance and Roles of Vigilant Citizens in Society
• Relationship Between EQ and IQ

Important UPSC Ethics Notes and Ethics Syllabus for UPSC Exam 2024: Ethics is one of the most valuable subjects to score more marks in General Studies Paper IV of the UPSC Mains exams. It is also more important to learn ethics if you want to become a better human being. In 2013,  UPSC included the ethics exam paper which is also known as General Studies Paper IV in the UPSC mains exam. GeeksforGeeks has brought you all the UPSC Notes for Ethics with proper tips and strategies. Get ready to explore the ins and outs of UPSC Ethics in this article.

Table of Content

• UPSC Notes For UPSC 2024 Prelims

Study Meterial for UPSC Ethics Paper

• Most Important Topics of Ethics for the UPSC 2024 Mains
• Tips For Strategy To Prepare for Ethics Exam

Frequently Asked Questions of Aspirants on Ethics UPSC Notes

In the below aspirants will get:

• Study Meterial for UPSC Ethics
• Syllabus of UPSC Ethics
• Notes on Ethics Subject
• Tips, Strategies and Frequently asked questions of aspirants regarding Ethics UPSC notes

UPSC Notes For UPSC 2024 Prelims:

• Importance Notes related to History for UPSC 2024
• Importance Notes related to Geography for UPSC 2024
• Importance Notes related to Polity for UPSC 2024
• Importance Notes related to Economics for UPSC 2024
• Importance Notes related to Science & Technology for UPSC 2024
• Previous Year’s Papers of UPSC

Here we listing the overall UPSC chaper-wise Ethics Syllabus below:

Most Important Topics of Ethics for the UPSC 2024 Mains:

Here we shared some of the most important topics of Ethics for UPSC 2024 exam:

• Emotion: Importance, Mechanism, and Types
• Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Its Importance
• Contribution of Family to Value Education
• Normative Ethics with Examples
• Constitutional Morality – Meaning, Significance, and Scope
• Ten Essential Values Needed to be an Effective Public Servant
• Impact Of Beliefs And Values On Attitude
• Ethics vs Morality
• Steps to Control Corruption
• Distinguish Between Laws and Rules
• Importance of Vigilant Citizens
• Types of Bureaucracy
• Define Ethos
• Morality – Definition, Importance, Evolution and Examples
• What is Ethics?
• Human Values- Concept and Importance
• What is Corporate Governance?
• What is Empathy?

Quotes For UPSC Mains Exam Ethics Paper And Essay Paper:

• “ Anger and Intolerance are the Enemies of Correct Understanding” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “ Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding” – Swami Vivekananda
• “A Man is But the Product of his Thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.”- Mahatma Gandhi

Tips For Strategy To Prepare for Ethics Exam 

UPSC has introduced an excellent topic in the CSE called ethics. It is critical to first grasp the fundamental ideas. Because the paper is focused on case studies, you may identify many case studies in your daily life and apply those principles to these case studies once you have mastered the concepts. Some important tips for preparing for the Ethics Paper for the UPSC CSE Mains Exam and getting a high score:

• The first and most crucial method is to practice using case studies. To begin, read a lot of case studies.
• Second, try to concentrate on the behavior of the many persons involved while reading the newspaper. It all boils down to three factors: stakeholders, communication, and decision-making.
• The trick is to keep resources to a minimum and concentrate on what is necessary. And it’s here that the prior year’s paperwork comes in handy.
• In addition, no matter whether the source is used, answer writing must be included. It is about articulation in ethics. It can only be enhanced via consistent writing practice.
• Include some personal stories, observations, or experiences.

1. Why is Ethics important in the UPSC exam?

Understanding the significance of ethics is crucial, as it forms the bedrock of responsible and accountable governance.

2. What topics should I focus on in Ethics for UPSC?

Concentrate on areas like integrity, honesty, moral philosophy, and case studies related to ethical dilemmas.

3. How can I effectively use Ethics notes in my preparation?

Use the notes as a reference to grasp key principles, real-life examples, and ethical theories. Practice applying them in case studies.

4. Are Ethics notes sufficient for exam preparation?

While notes are helpful, supplement them with regular reading, current affairs analysis, and continuous practice of ethical decision-making scenarios.

5. How can I improve my answer writing in the Ethics paper?

Practice answer writing regularly, focusing on clarity, structure, and logical presentation. Review sample answers and seek feedback.

6. Any tips for handling case studies in the Ethics paper?

Develop a systematic approach, identify stakeholders, analyze options, and propose a well-reasoned solution. Practice with diverse case studies for better preparation.

7. How do I stay updated on ethical issues for the exam?

Follow reputable news sources, read government reports, and engage in discussions to stay informed about contemporary ethical challenges.

8. Is memorization important for Ethics preparation?

Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. Application of ethical principles is key to scoring well.

9. How can I balance the theoretical and practical aspects of Ethics in my preparation?

Link theoretical knowledge with real-life examples. Discuss ethical issues with peers, and participate in mock interviews to enhance practical application.

10. Any last-minute tips for Ethics preparation?

Revise key concepts, practice time management, and stay calm during the exam. Trust your preparation and approach each question thoughtfully.

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Last 25 Years Topic-wise Essay Questions From UPSC Mains (1994 - 2018)

Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services mains exam is the Essay. Here, prelims-qualified IAS aspirants have to write two essays out of a few given topics. The paper is for a total of 250 marks and its marks are taken into consideration for the Final Merit List. In this article, we have listed all the essay topics asked in the UPSC mains exam from 1994 to 2018. We have also classified the last 25 years essay questions into topics to make your preparation easier.

Latest – See the UPSC Essay Topics in the IAS Mains 2020 Essay Paper. Download UPSC Mains 2020 Essay Paper from the linked article.

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UPSC Essay Topics

Administration.

• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. (1994)
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. (1995)
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy. (1996)
• Need for transparency in public administration. (1996)
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. (2000)
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? (2003)

Democracy/India since independence

• Whither Indian democracy? (1995)
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. (1997)
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? (2000)
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? (2001)
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? (2003)
• National identity and patriotism. (2008)
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy. (2012)
• Is the colonial mentality hindering India’s success? (2013)
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. (2015)
• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task. (2018)

Economic growth and development

• Resource management in the Indian context. (1999)
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country. (2013)
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? (2014)
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. (2015)
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. (2016)
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. (2016)
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. (2016)
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. (2017)

Federalism, Decentralisation

• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. (1998)
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. (2004)
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. (2007)
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? (2007)
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication. (2011)
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. (2016)
• Water disputes between States in federal India. (2016)

Indian Culture & Society

• The Indian society at the crossroads. (1994)
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion. (1996)
• The composite culture of India. (1998)
• Youth culture today. (1999)
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. (2000)
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? (2000)
• As civilization advances culture declines. (2003)
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? (2010)
• Judicial activism. (1997)
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. (2004)
• Justice must reach the poor. (2005)

Social justice/Poverty

• Reservation, politics and empowerment. (1999)
• Food security for sustainable national development. (2005)
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. (2009)
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for the majority of farmers in India. (2017)
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. (2018)

Media & Society

• Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. (1998)
• Mass media and cultural invasion. (1999)
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. (2002)
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? (2007)
• Role of media in good governance. (2008)
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? (2011)
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? (2014)

Environment/Urbanisation

• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. (1997)
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. (2006)
• Urbanisation and its hazards. (2008)
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? (2010)
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. (2017)

Economic sectors/MNCs

• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs. (1994)
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. (2006)
• BPO boom in India. (2007)
• Special economic zone: boon or bane? (2008)
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? (2009)
• Is the criticism that the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified? (2012)
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? (2014)
• Restructuring of Indian education system. (1995)
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. (1996)
• Irrelevance of the classroom. (2001)
• Privatization of higher education in India. (2002)
• Modern technological education and human values. (2002)
• What is real education? (2005)
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. (2006)
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood. (2007)
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses? (2008)
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges. (2011)
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? (2014)
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? (2014)
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. (2015)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. (2017)
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. (1995)
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. (1997)
• Woman is god’s best creation. (1998)
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. (1999)
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. (2001)
• Whither women’s emancipation? (2004)
• If women ruled the world. (2005)
• The hand that rocks the cradle. (2005)
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. (2006)
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal? (2012)
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. (2016)
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. (2017)

Quotes-based/Philosophy

• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret. (1994)
• Useless life is an early death. (1994)
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. (1995)
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. (1995)
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. (1995)
• Truth is lived, not taught. (1996)
• True religion cannot be misused. (1997)
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. (2002)
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. (2002)
• If youth knew, if age could. (2002)
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. (2003)
• Be the change you want to see in others. (2013)
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. (2014)
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. (2014)
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. (2015)
• “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. (2018)
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. (2018)
• Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man. (2007)
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin. (2008)
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. (2015)
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. (2016)
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. (2017)
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. (2018)
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. (2018)
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life. (2018)

Globalisation

• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. (1994)
• The world of the twenty-first century. (1998)
• The implications of globalization for India. (2000)
• My vision of an ideal world order. (2001)
• The masks of new imperialism. (2003)
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. (2004)
• ‘Globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’. (2009)
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. (2010)

Science & Tech

• The modern doctor and his patients. (1997)
• Value-based science and education. (1999)
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. (2001)
• Spirituality and scientific temper. (2003)
• The lure of space. (2004)
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible? (2012)
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation. (2013)
• Technology cannot replace manpower. (2015)
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. (2018)

Internet/IT

• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. (2000)
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. (2006)
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run. (2016)
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium. (2017)

International organisations/relations

• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities. (1996)
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN cooperation. (2004)
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement. (2006)
• Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world. (2017)
• Terrorism and world peace. (2005)
• Are we a ‘soft’ state? (2009)
• Good fences make good neighbours. (2009)
• In the Indian context, both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism. (2011)

Miscellaneous

• India’s contribution to world wisdom. (1998)
• The pursuit of excellence. (2001)
• Geography may remain the same; history need not. (2010)
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? (2014)
• Quick but steady wins the race. (2015)

When preparing for IAS Mains, aspirants must focus on UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practise as this will improve one’s speed, efficiency and writing skills. It will automatically help in essay writing as well. 

Also, read:

Frequently Asked Questions on UPSC Essay Topics for UPSC Mains

Q 1. how can i write a good essay in upsc, q 2. does handwriting matter in upsc.

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• Special emphasis on conceptual clarity and answer writing skills in classes. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years as well as probable questions in upcoming exams.
• Most of the classes will be conducted in live mode. (All batches of ethics classes of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti will not be live but latest classes will be provided and live doubt clearing sessions will be conducted regularly)
• Special arrangement for doubt clearance. Students can send their doubts on WhatsApp and the faculty would discuss the doubts in next day’s live class.
• Printed booklets of each subject/module.
• Drishti Current Affairs Today monthly magazine every month for 3 years.
• 6 Books of Drishti Publication’s 'Prelims Practice Series' (so that students can prepare well for CSE Prelims Exam).
• 5 Books of Drishti Publication’s  'Mains Capsule Series, (so that students can prepare well for CSE Main Exam)
• Free of cost Current Affairs classes and Prelims Crash Course for 3 years.
• Free of cost Online Test Series for UPSC CSE Prelims for 3 years. Total 30x3=90 Tests (75 Tests of General Studies and 15 Tests of CSAT)
• One or more tests from each subject/module for answer writing practice. Total 24 tests. Facility of test evaluation by our academic team.

If you want to take admission in Online Course, make sure that your phone/Tab has following features:

• Operating System (OS): Android 8/iOS 13 or higher/Windows 11
• Internal Memory: 8 GB or above
• RAM: 1 GB or above
• It is also important that your phone is not 'rooted' and jailbroken. Our app does not work on such devices due to security settings.

If you encounter any technical problem during this course, call our technical helpline number 8010599000 anytime. Our technical team will help you immediately.

Process of delivery of Study Material

• Packet containing all the Notes and Test Papers will be dispatched within 7 days from the date of admission via speed post or courier service. The packet will reach you within 10 days from the date of dispatch. (Attention: At present, courier services might take 15-20 days due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

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Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude (UPSC Mains) - Previous Year Questions

1. (a) What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.

1. (b) 'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples.

2. (a) "Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

2. (b) In the context of the work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.

3. (a) "The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." - Mahatma Gandhi

3. (b) "To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves." – Jawaharlal Nehru.

3. (c) "Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle." – Swami Vivekananda

4. (a) "What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills - your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests." Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.

4. (b) Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

5. (a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.

5. (b) Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.

6. (a) What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

6. (b) Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

1.(a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is not rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate.

1.(b) Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations .

2.(a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.

2.(b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?

3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

(a) “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” – Potter Stewart

(b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher.” - A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

(c) “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”– Dalai Lama

4.(a) What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.

4.(b) Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt, it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to the vulnerable section of the society.

5.(a) Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair.

5.(b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:

(i) Constitutional morality

(ii) Conflict of interest

(iii) Probity in public life

(iv) Challenges of digitalization

(v) Devotion to duty

6.(a) Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower?

6.(b)  In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine.

1.(a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.

1.(b) Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behavior in the public servants.

2.(a) Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example.

2.(b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.

(a) "Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later." – Swami Vivekananda

(b) "We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves." – Dalai Lam a

(c) "Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all”. – Erik Erikson

4.(a) Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?

4.(b) In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.

5.(a) "Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation." Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.

5.(b) Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.

6.(a) An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.

6.(b) "Integrity is a value that empowers the human being." Justify with suitable illustration.

1.(a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony.

1.(b) "Education is not an injunction; it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement.

2.(a) 'Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit.' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

2.(b) What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.

3.(a) What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.

3.(b) 'The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations.

4.(a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.

4.(b) A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?

5.(a) What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.

5.(b) "The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss.

6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

(a) "Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way." - Swami Vivekanand

(b) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi

(c) "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true." – Socrates

1.(a) What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.

1.(b) What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of public servant.

2.(a) Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.

2.(b) “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

3.(a) What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality?

3.(b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?

4.(a) Explain the basic principles of citizens charter movement and bring out its importance.

4.(b) There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss.

5.(a) What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.

5.(b) “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you”. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.

(a)   “An unexamined life is not worth living”. – Socrates

(b)   “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” – M.K. Gandhi

(c)   “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

1.(a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.

1.(b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples.

2.(a) What is mean by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest?

2.(b) “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone; it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss.

3.(a) What is mean by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest.

3.(b) “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffett. What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain.

4.(a) “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties.

4.(b) With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer.

5.(a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?

5.(b) Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.

6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?

(a) “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost everything, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demanded. ”Abraham Lincoln

(b) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. “ – Mahatma Gandhi

(c) “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.” – Tirukkural

1. Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when

(a) official duties,

(b) public interest, and

(c) personal interest

are taking priority one above the other.

How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example.

2. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:

(a) Transparency

(b) Accountability

(c) Fairness and justice

(d) Courage of conviction

(e) Spirit of service

3. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.

4.(a) One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.

4.(b)   Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse.

5.(a) “Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.” – Napoleon Bonaparte.

Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country.

5.(b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference, they are father, the mother and the teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse.

6.(a) How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?

6.(b) Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate

7.(a) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.

7.(b) Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify.

8.(a) Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss.

8.(b) Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly.

What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times.

1.(a) Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.

1.(b) Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context? Illustrate your answer with examples.

2.(a) What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance'?

2.(b) Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of seven sins.

3.(a) Analyse John Rawls's concept of social justice in the Indian context.

3.(b) Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission

4.(a) "Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development." Discuss Kautilya's views.

4.(b) How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

5. Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence.

(a) Discuss how they achieve this objective.

(b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

6. Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society.

(a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today's educated Indiana.

(b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants?

7. Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life.

(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours.

(b) How can it be managed and controlled?

8. "Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realise that the State bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality." Critically analyse this statement.

1.(a) What is meant by 'environmental ethics'? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics.

1.(b) Differentiate between the following:

(i) Law and Ethics

(ii) Ethical management and Management of ethics

(iii) Discrimination and Preferential treatment

(iv) Personal ethics and Professional ethics

2. Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context:

(a) "The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

(b) "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."

3.(a) "A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also has to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties." Do you agree? Explain with the help of two examples, where (i) an act is ethically right, but not legally and (ii) an act is legally right, but not ethically.

3.(b) How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples.

4.(a) "Social values are more important than economic values."

Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.

4.(b) Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms arc misused. Another negative effect is that the officers arc now afraid to take prompt decisions.

Analyze this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized.

5. Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude.

(a) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits.

(b) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our country?

6. Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RT1, active media and strengthening of legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control.

(a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications.

(b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.

7. At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one's own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.

8. Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of 'Conflict of Interest". What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' and how does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation, how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples.

1.(a) All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.

1.(b) What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration?

2.(a) In the context of defence services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.

2.(b) What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?

3.(a) “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context.

3.(b) “Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as merely ‘means’.” Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.

4.(a) Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development.

4.(b) There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power, handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide-ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility?

5.(a) The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for social well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy?

5.(b) It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.

6. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes?

7. What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?

8. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.

1. What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?

2.(a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service?

(i) Integrity

(ii) Perseverance

(iii) Spirit of service

(iv) Commitment

(v) Courage of conviction

2.(b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.

3. Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.

4. What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?

5.(a) What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?

5.(b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.

6. Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context:

(a) “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” —Mahatma Gandhi

(b) “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”—Abraham Lincoln

(c) “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies. “—Aristotle

7. “The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?

8. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.

CASE STUDIES

1. You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to find her.

A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved?

(b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.(c) How would you react to the situation?

- Check Solution

2. A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20 th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations.

A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have already volunteered to donate blood.

Being a physician who has graduated from AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on this issue; some favour transfusion, while some others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

(b) Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area .

3. At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two. children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior.

She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enough justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny's care as she had to work in the office. Now, she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities. She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

(b) Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the. Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.

(c) Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions? 

4. Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness.

The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters.

A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres.

Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power, Vinod's professional growth would be assured.

Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition. Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains. 

(250 words and 20 Marks)

(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.

(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.

5. You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life.

A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work.

You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?

(b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?

(c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization?

6. You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you. that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest.

After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.

(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.

(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family.

1. Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently the company was passing through the difficult times as the sales were continuously showing downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had been a major revenue contributor to the company’s financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order for them. But their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough. His was a professional company and his local bosses were under pressure from their London-based HO to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), he was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division is working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior and tender is being submitted shortly.

He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal is not clinched in favour of the company, his division might have to be closed and he may have to quit his lucrative job.

There was another dimension which was causing him deep mental torture and agony. This pertained to his personal precarious financial health. He was a single earner in the family with two school-college going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy expenditure on education and medical was causing a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI for housing loan taken from bank was unavoidable and any default would render him liable for severe legal action.

In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some miracle to happen. There was sudden turn of events. His secretary informed that a gentleman-Subhash Verma wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager which was to be filled in by him in the company. He further brought to his notice that his CV has been received through the office of the Minister of Defence.

During interview of the candidate – Subhash Verma, he found him technically sound, resourceful and experienced marketeer. He seemed to be well-conversant with tendering procedures and having knack of follow-up and liaising in this regard. Prabhat felt that he was better choice than the rest of the candidates who were recently interviewed by him in the last few days.

Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents subject to his employment in the company on suitable terms and conditions. He made it clear that in the process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence Ministry order. He indicated that it will be win-win situation for both-him and the company.

Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for securing the much awaited tender and thereby boosting company’s sales and financial health. He was in a fix as to the future course of action. He was wonder-struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in having surreptitiously removing his own company papers and offering to the rival company for a job. Being an experienced person, he was examining the pros and cons of the proposal/situation and he asked him to come the next day.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat in the above situation.

(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Prabhat and why?

2. Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after Tendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential report, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy.

(a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?

(b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why?

(c) Critically evaluate each of the options.

(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?

(e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?

3. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation of the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining was still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him.

(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?

(b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.

(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?

(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?

(e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?

4. You have done MBA from a reputed institution three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated recession. However, after a lot of persuasion and series of competitive tests including written and interview, you managed to get a job in a leading shoe company. You have aged parents who are dependent and staying with you. You also recently got married after getting this decent job. You were allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In first one year, you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your performance by the management. The company is doing good business for last five years in domestic market and this year it is decided even to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top management ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market. As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all the members of the team to overlook these defects as the management cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and cleared the consignment for domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander that such consignment, if cleared even for domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the consignment, the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain innocuous reasons.

(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team?

(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.

(c) What option would you adopt and why?

(d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?

(e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?

5. Rakesh was working as Joint Commissioner in Transport Department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case of strike by the drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter.

He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the bus and a car driven by a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come at the spot of accident and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in question was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There was exchange of blows between them.

The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved, depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two-fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains.

(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation?

(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh.

(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?

(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation?

6. You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region. But in practice, most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems.

It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to close their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately

(a) What are the options available to you under the given situation.

(b) Critically examine the options listed by you.

(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?            

(d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option?

1. Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentness pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from river belt and transporting through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation. Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are in hand and glove with them and have developed close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such strong steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia's illegal sand mining operations in that district and may cause them irrepairable damage.

The mafia turned hostile and launched counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia started threatening him with dire consequences. His family (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscleman came to his office and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different than some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia).

(a) Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation.

(c) Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why?

2. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad which came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these students in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.

(b) Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?

3. An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in next two years by 30 June, 2021, since this project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that minimum three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled £he observation of inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack which will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of inspecting team and continue working with same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the Chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you hint that your further promotion as additional chief engineer is under consideration with the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.

(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?

(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?

(c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?

(d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

4. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As on May 8 th , 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1.35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all necessary actions to control the spread of COVID-19. Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative mode of teaching-learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode became popular during these days. India was not prepared for a sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resource, money and other facilities needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the one hand and have and have not' on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects. You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time when coronavirus had attacked large number of people and patients were pouring into hospital day in and day out.

(a) What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients knowing fully well that it is highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited?

(b) If yours is a private hospital, whether your justification and decision would remain same as that of a public hospital?

5. A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company.

(a) What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in domestic market?

(b) What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?

(c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

6. Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at rimes unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss's style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems or shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even at home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behavior. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and mental health.

(a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope up with the situation?

(b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquility and congenial environment in the office and home?

(c) As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?

(d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels in the government offices?

1. Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a reputation of honesty and forthrightness, currently posted in the Finance Ministry as Head of the Budget Division. His department is presently busy in organising the budgetary support to the states, four of which are due to go to the polls within the financial year.

This year's annual budget had allotted Rs. 8300 crores for National Housing Scheme (NHS), a centrally sponsored social housing scheme for the weaker sections of society Rs. 775 crores have been drawn for NHS till June.

The Ministry of Commerce had long been pursuing a case for setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a southern state to boost exports. After two years of detailed discussions between the centre and state, the Union Cabinet approved the project in August. Process was initiated to acquire the necessary land.

Eighteen months ago a leading Public Sector Unit (PSU) had projected the need for setting up a large natural gas processing plant in a northern state for the regional gas grid. The required land is already in possession of the PSU. The gas grid is an essential component of the national energy security strategy. After three rounds of global bidding the project was allotted to an MNC, M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons. The first tranche of payment to the MNC is scheduled to be made in December.

Finance Ministry was asked for a timely allocation of an additional Rs. 6000 crores for these two developmental projects. It was decided to recommend re-appropriation of this entire amount from the NHS allocation. The File was forwarded to Budget Department for their comments and further processing. On studying the case File, Rajesh Kumar realized that this re-appropriation may cause inordinate delay in the execution of NHS, a project much publicized in the rallies of senior politicians. Correspondingly, non-availability of Finances would cause financial loss in the SEZ and national embarrassment due to delayed payment in an international project.

Rajesh Kumar discussed the matter with his seniors. He was conveyed that this politically sensitive situation needs to be processed immediately. Rajesh Kumar realized that diversion of funds from NHS could raise difficult questions for the government in the Parliament.

Discuss the following with reference to this case:

(a) Ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects.

(b) Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Rajesh Kumar. Is resigning a worthy option?

2. The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML's journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on export of military weaponry.

To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMs as there is a possibility of exporting the same to a friendly foreign country. The Director General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff at Delhi next week.

Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international arms trade.

As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?

(a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade?

(b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.

3. Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence due to the very small land holdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area.

You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the over-all economic scenario in the district?

4. You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer. A huge multipurpose mall is under construction in your city in which a large number of daily wage earners are employed. One night, during monsoons, a big chunk of the roof collapsed causing instant death of four labourers including two minors. Many more were seriously injured requiring immediate medical attention. The mishap resulted in a big hue and cry, forcing the government to institute an enquiry.

Your preliminary enquiry has revealed a series of anomalies. The material used for the construction was of poor quality. Despite the approved building plans permitting only one basement, an additional basement has been constructed. This was overlooked during the periodic inspections by the building inspector of the municipal corporation. In your enquiry, you noticed that the construction of the mall was given the green signal despite encroaching on areas earmarked for a green belt and a slip road in the Zonal Master Plan of the city. The permission to construct the mall was accorded by the previous Municipal Commissioner who is not only your senior and well known to you professionally, but also a good friend.

Prima facie, the case appears to be of a widespread nexus between officials of the Municipal Corporation and the builders. Your colleagues are putting pressure on you to go slow in the enquiry. The builder, who is rich and influential, happens to be a close relative of a powerful minister in the state cabinet. The builder is persuading you to hush up the matter, promising you a fortune to do so. He also hinted that if this matter is not resolved at the earliest in his favour there is somebody in his office who is waiting to file a case against you under the POSH Act.

Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you in this situation? Explain your selected course of action.

5. Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative centre, is a medium sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute and some privately owned skill training centres. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometres from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry therein. The state government offers a 10 years tax holiday as an incentive to new industry.

In 2010 Anil, an industrialist, decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village, about 20 km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labour and got them trained at the skill training centres at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW.

APW started production in 2011 with the labour drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also opened a primary health care centre and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women's self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employees and the need.

In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW. It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its -Authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to a nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improves the village habitat.

APW had developed a reputation of high quality production and a motivated workforce.

Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for development of backward areas? Give reasons.

6. Migrant workers have always remained at the socio-economic margins of our society, silently serving as the instrumental labour force of urban economics. The pandemic has brought them into national focus.

On announcement of a countrywide lockdown, a very large number of migrant workers decided to move back from their places of employment to their native villages. The non-availability of transport created its own problems. Added to this was the fear of starvation and inconvenience to their families. This caused the migrant workers to demand wages and transport facilities for returning to their villages. Their mental agony was accentuated by multiple factors such as a sudden loss of livelihood, possibility of lack of food and inability to assist in harvesting their rabi crop due to not being able to reach home in time. Reports of inadequate response of some districts in providing the essential boarding and lodging arrangements along the way multiplied their fears.

You have learnt many lessons from this situation when you were tasked to oversee the functioning of the District Disaster Relief Force in your district. In your opinion what ethical issues arose in the current migrant crisis? What do you understand by an ethical care giving state? What assistance can the civil society render to mitigate the sufferings of migrants in similar situations?

1. You are heading the rescue operations in an area affected by severe natural calamity. Thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damage to supply routes. The local people are seething with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis, some team members plead with you to call off the operations fearing threats to their life.

In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation.

2. Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of a civil servant. Civil servants possessing these qualities are considered as the backbone of any strong organization. In line of duty, they take various decisions, at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions are not taken intentionally and do not benefit personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty. Though such decisions may, at times, lead to unforeseen adverse consequences in the long-term.

In the recent past, a few instances have surfaced wherein civil servants have been implicated for bonafide mistakes. They have often been prosecuted and even imprisoned. The instances have greatly rattled the moral fibre of the civil servants.

How does this trend affect the functioning of the civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure the honest civil servants are not implicated for the bonafide mistakes on their part? Justify your answer.

3. An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace.

After sometime a woman employee launched a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR with the police.

Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the woman employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in the case.

Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the woman employee?

4. In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive. Elected people’s representatives from the political executive and bureaucracy forms the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executive and the political executive were characterized by mutual understanding, respect and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain.

However, in the subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executive to follow its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a difinitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive.

What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy’? Discuss.

5. In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point of time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy.

If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.

6. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in the civil services. These are as follows:

1. Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services,

2. Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servants and

3. Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services.

Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues.

1. Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a health care scheme meant for senior citizens.

The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following:

(a) 60 years of age or above.

(b) Belonging to a reserved community.

(c) Family income of less than 1 Lakh rupees per annum.

(d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary.

One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple has no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of rupees one lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except criterion ‘b’. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life.

How should Rakesh respond to the situation? 

2. As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road constructions projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private parties. Compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area.

Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20 acres farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees denuding the area of its green cover.

Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities are as a public servant. 

3. It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many death, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities.

The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrest, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever.

Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control?

4. A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set upon the additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the detrimental effect on the environment. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition.

The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of people took part, creating a law and order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory.

The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it.

As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling this issues, how are you going to address it?

5. Dr X is a leading medical practitioner in a city. He has set up a charitable trust through which he plans to establish a super-speciality hospital in the city to cater to the medical needs of all sections of the society. Incidentally, that part of the State had been neglected over the years. The proposed hospital would be a boon for the region.

You are heading the tax investigation agency of that region. During an inspection of the doctor’s clinic, your officers have found out some major irregularities. A few of them are substantial which had resulted in considerable withholding of tax that should be paid by him now. The doctor is cooperative. He undertakes to pay the tax immediately.

However, there are certain other deficiencies in his tax compliance which are purely technical in nature. If these technical defaults are pursued by the agency, considerable time and energy of the doctor will be diverted to issues which are not so serious, urgent or even helpful to the tax collection process. Further, in all probability, it will hamper the prospects of the hospital coming up.

There are two options before you:

(1) Taking a broader view, ensure substantial tax compliance and ignore defaults that are merely technical in nature.

(2) Pursue the matter strictly and proceed on all fronts, whether substantial or merely technical. As the head of the tax agency, which course of action will you opt and why?

6. Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA administrator, released confidential Government documents to the press about the existence of Government surveillance programmes. According to many legal experts and the US Government, his action violated the Espionage act of 1971, which identified the leak of State secret as an act of treason. Yet, despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistle blowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.” According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality since more substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable.          

Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.

1. You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following:

(a) There is a general perception that adhering to ethical conduct one may face difficulties to oneself and cause problems for the family, whereas unfair practices may help to reach the career goals.

(b) When the number of people adopting unfair means is large, a small minority having a penchant towards ethical means makes no difference. 

(c) Sticking to ethical means is detrimental to the larger developmental goals.

(d) While one may not involve oneself in large unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gifts makes the system more efficient.

Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.

2. You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and you have cleared various stages and now you have been selected for the personal interview. On the day of the interview, on the way to the venue you saw an accident where a mother and child who happen to be your relatives were badly injured. They needed immediate help.

What would you have done in such a situation? Justify your action.

3. You are the head of the Human Resources department of an organisation. One day one of the workers died on duty. His family was demanding compensation. However, the company denied compensation because it was revealed in investigation that he was drunk at the time of the accident. The workers of the company went to strike demanding compensation for the family of the deceased. The Chairman of the management board has asked for your recommendation.

What recommendation would you provide the management? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the recommendations.

4. You are the manager of a spare parts company A and you have to negotiate a deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B. The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal is critical for your company. The deal is being worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to the hotel in his car. On the way to hotel he happens to hit motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. You know the manager was driving fast and thus lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to investigate the issue and you are the sole eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining to road accidents you are aware that your honest account of the incident would lead to the prosecution of the manager and as a consequence the deal is likely to be jeopardised, which is of immense importance to your company.

What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your response to the situation?

5. A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent labourers including women and children died. These labourers are migrants of different places. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder.

Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.

6. You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a government department. You are aware that the RTI Act 2005 envisages transparency and accountability in administration. The act has functioned as a check on the supposedly arbitrarily administrative behaviour and actions. However, as a PIO you have observed that there are citizens who filed RTI applications not for themselves but on behalf of such stakeholders who purportedly want to have access to information to further their own interests. At the same time there are these RTI activists who routinely file RTI applications and attempt to extort money from the decision makers. This type of RTI activism has affected the functioning of the administration adversely and also possibly jeopardises the genuineness of the applications which are essentially aimed at getting justice.

What measures would you suggest to separate genuine and non-genuine applications? Give merits and demerits of your suggestions.

1. A fresh engineering graduate get a job in a prestigious chemical industry likes the work. The salary is also good. However, after a few months accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is being secretly discharged into a river nearby. This is causing health problems to the villagers downstream who depend on the river for their water needs. She is perturbed and mentions her concern to her colleagues who have been with the company for longer periods. They advise her to keep quite as anyone who mentions the topic is summarily dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is the sole bread-winner for her family and has to support her ailing parents and siblings. At first, she thinks that if her seniors are keeping quiet, why should she stick out her neck. But her conscience pricks her to do something to save the river and the people who depend upon it. At heart she feels that the advice of silence given by her friends is not correct though she cannot give reasons for it she thinks you are a wise person and seeks your advice.

(a) What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right?

(b) What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why?

2. Land needed for mining, dams and other large-scale projects is acquired mostly from Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The displaced persons are paid monetary compensation as per the legal provisions. However, the payment is often tardy. In any case, it cannot sustain the displaced families for long. These people do not possess marketable skills to engage in some other occupation. They end up as low paid migrant labourers. Moreover, their traditional ways of community living are destroyed. Thus, the benefits of development go to industries, industrialists and urban communities whereas the costs are passed on to these poor helpless people. This unjust distribution of costs and benefits is unethical.

Suppose you have been entrusted with the task of drafting a better compensation-cum-rehabilitation policy for such displaced persons, bow would you approach the problem and what would be the main elements of your suggested policy?

3. Suppose you are an officer in-charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquiries also show that she is really destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without necessary documents would clearly be violation of rules. But denying her the support would be cruel and inhuman.

(a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma?

(b) Give your reason for it.

4. You are a young, aspiring and sincere employee in a Government office working as an assistant to the director of your department. Since you have joined recently, you need to learn the Progress. Luckily your superior is very kind and ready to train you for your job. He is a very intelligent and well-informed person having knowledge of various departments. In short, you respect your boss and are looking forward to learn a lot from him.

Since you have a good tuning with the boss, he started depending on you. One day due to ill health he invited you at his place for finishing some urgent work.

You reached his house and before you could ring the bell you heard shouting noises. You waited for a while. After entering the house the boss greeted you and explained the work. But you were constantly disturbed by the crying of a woman. At last, you inquired with the boss but his answer did not satisfy you.

Next day, you were compelled to inquire further in the office and found out that his behaviour is very bad at home with his wife. He also beats up his wife. His wife is not well educated and is a simple woman in comparison to her husband. You see that though your boss is a nice person in the office, he is engaged in domestic violence at home.

In such a situation, you are left with the following options. Analyse each option with its consequences.

(a) Just ignore thinking about it because it is their personal matter.

(b) Report the case to the appropriate authority.

(c) Your own innovative approach towards the situation.

5. ABC Ltd. is a large transnational company having diversified business activities with a huge shareholder base. The company is continuously expanding and generating employment. The company, in its expansion and diversification programme, decides to establish a new plant at Vikaspuri, an area which is underdeveloped. The new plant is designed to use energy efficient technology that will help the company to save production cost by 20%. The company's decision goes well with the Government policy of attracting investment to develop such underdeveloped regions. The Government has also announced tax holiday for five years for the companies that invest in underdeveloped areas. However, the new plant may bring chaos for the inhabitants of Vikaspuri region, which is otherwise tranquil. The new plant may result in increased cost of living, aliens migrating to the region, disturbing the social and economic order. The company sensing the possible protest tried to educate the people of Vikaspuri region and public in general that how its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy would help overcome the likely difficulties of the residents of Vikaspuri region. In spite of this the protests begin and some of the residents decided to approach the judiciary as their plea before the Government did not yield any result

(a) Identify the issues involved in the case.

(b) What can be suggested to satisfy the company's goal and to address the residents' concerns.

6. Saraswati was a successful IT professional in USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing something for the country she returned to India. Together with some other like-minded friends, she formed an NGO to build a school for a poor rural community.

The objective of the school was to provide the best quality modern education at a nominal cost. She soon discovered that she has to seek permission from a number of Government agencies. The rules and procedures were quite confusing and cumbersome. What frustrated her most was the delays, callous attitude of officials and constant demand for bribes. Her experience and the experience of many others like her has deterred people from taking up social service projects.          

A measure of Government control over voluntary social work is necessary. But it should not be exercised in a coercive or corrupt manner. What measures can you suggest to ensure that due control is exercised but well meaning, honest NGO efforts are not thwarted?

1. A private company is known for its efficiency, transparency and employee welfare. The company though owned by a private individual has a cooperative character where employees feel a sense of ownership. The company employs nearly 700 personnel and they have voluntarily decided not to form a union. One day suddenly in the morning, about 40 men belonging to a political party gate­crashed into the factory demanding jobs in the factory. They threatened the management and employees, and also used foul language. The employees feel demoralized. It was clear that those people who gate-crashed wanted to be on the payroll of the company as well as continue as the volunteers/members of the party. The company maintains high standards in integrity and does not extend favours to civil administration that also includes law enforcement agency. Such incidents occur in public sector also.

(a) Assume you arc the CEO of the company. What would you do to diffuse the volatile situation on the date of gate-crashing with the violent mob sitting inside the company premises?

(b) What could be the long-term solution to the issue discussed in the case?

(c) Every solution/action that you suggest will have a positive and a negative impact on you (as CEO), the employees and the performance ofthe employees. Analyze the consequences of each of your suggested actions.

2. You are the Sarpanch of a Panchayat. There is a primary school run by the government in your area. Midday meals are provided to the children attending the school. The Headmaster has now appointed a new cook in the school to prepare the meals. However, when it is found that the cook is from Dalit community, almost half of the children belonging to higher castes arc not allowed to take meals by their parents. Consequently the attendance in the school falls sharply. This could result in the possibility of discontinuation of midday meal scheme, thereafter of teaching staff and subsequent closing down the school.

(a) Discuss some feasible strategies to overcome the conflict and to create right ambience.

(b) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambience for accepting such changes?

3. One of the scientists working in the R&D laboratory of n major pharmaceutical company discovers that one of the company's best-selling veterinary drugs, B has the potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease that is prevalent in tribal areas. However, developing a variant of the drug suitable for human beings entailed a lot of research and development having a huge expenditure to the extent of Rs. 30 crores. It was unlikely that the company would recover the costs as the disease was rampant only in poverty-stricken area having very little market otherwise. If you were the CEO, then –

(a) identify the various actions that you could take;

(b) evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions.

4. There is a disaster-prone Stale having frequent landslides, forest fires, cloudbursts, flash floods and earthquakes, etc. Some of these are seasonal and often unpredictable. The magnitude of the disaster is always unanticipated. During one of the seasons, a cloudburst caused devastating floods and landslides leading to high casualties. There was major damage to infrastructure like roads, bridges and power generating units. This led to more than 100000 pilgrims, tourists and other locals trapped across different routes and locations. The people trapped in your area of responsibility included senior citizens, patients in hospitals, women and children, hikers, tourists, ruling party's regional president along with his family, additional chief secretary- of the neighbouring State and prisoners in jail.

As a civil services officer of the State, what would be the order in which you would rescue these people and why? Give justifications.

5. You are heading a district administration in a particular department. Your senior officer calls you from the State Headquarters and tells you that a plot in Rampur village is to have a building constructed on it for a school. A visit is scheduled during which he will visit the site along with the chief engineer and the senior architect. He wants you to check out all the papers relating to it and to ensure that the visit is properly arranged. You examine the file which relates to the period before you joined the department. The land was acquired from the local Panchayat at a nominal cost and the papers show that clearance certificates are available from the two of the three authorities who have to certify the site's suitability. There is no certification by the architect available on file. You decide to visit Rampur to ensure that all is in order as stated on file. When you visit Rampur, you find that the plot under reference is part of Thakurgarh Fort and that the walls, ramparts, etc., are running across it. The fort is well away from the main village; therefore a school here will be a serious inconvenience for the children. However, the area near the village has potential to expand into a larger residential area. The development charges on the existing plot, at the fort, will be very high and the question of heritage site has not been addressed. Moreover, the Sarpanch, at the time of acquisition of the land, was a relative of your predecessor. The whole transaction appears to have been done with some vested interest.

(a) List the likely vested interest of the concerned parties.

(b) Some of the options for action available to you are listed below. Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the options:

(i) You can await the visit of the superior officer and let him take a decision.

(ii) You can seek his advice in writing or on phone.

(iii) You can consult your predecessor/ colleagues, etc., and then decide what to do.

(iv) You can find out if any alternate plot can be got in exchange and then send a comprehensive written report.

Can you suggest any other option with proper justification?

6. You are recently posted as district development officer of a district. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of sending girls to schools.

The elders of the village feel that many problems have come up because girls are being educated and they are stepping out of the safe environment of the household. They are of the view that the girls should be quickly married off with minimum education. The girls arc also competing for jobs after education, which have traditionally remained in boys' exclusive domain, adding to unemployment amongst male population.

The younger generation feels that in the present era, girls should have equal opportunities for education and employment, and other means of livelihood. The entire locality is divided between the elders and the younger lot and further sub-divided between sexes in both generations. You come to know that in Panchayat or in other local bodies or even in busy crossroads, the issue is being acrimoniously debated.

One day you arc informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. Some girls were molested, when they were en route to schools. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen. The elders after heated discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow girls to go to school and to socially boycott all such families, which do not follow their dictate.

(a) What steps would you take to ensure girls' safety without disrupting their education?

(b) How would you manage and mould patriarchic attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in the inter-generational relations?

In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow:

1. Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between development activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival.

Discuss some feasible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development.

2. Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:

(i) In the present times, when unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may also cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can?

(ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated.

(iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development.

(iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices?

Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?

3. You are a no-nonsense, honest officer. You have been transferred to a remote district to head a department that is notorious for its inefficiency and callousness. You find that the main cause of the poor state of affairs is the indiscipline of a section of employees. They do not work themselves and also disrupt the working of others. You first warned the troublemakers to mend their ways or else face disciplinary action. When the warning had little effect, you issued a show cause notice to the ringleaders. As a retaliatory measure, these troublemakers instigated a woman employee amongst them to file a complaint of sexual harassment against you with the Women’s Commission. The Commission promptly seeks your explanation. The matter is also publicized in the media to embarrass you further.

Some of the options to handle this situation could be as follows:

(i) Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action.

(ii) Ignore the Commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action.

(iii) Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly.

Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.

4. Suppose you are the CEO of a company that manufactures specialized electronic equipment used by a government department. You have submitted your bid for the supply of this equipment to the department, both the quality and cost of your offer are better than those of the competitors. Yet the concerned officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the tender. Getting the order is important both for you and for your company. Not getting the order would mean closing a production line. It may also affect your own career, however, as a value-conscious person; you do not want to give bribe.

Valid arguments can be advanced both for giving the bribe and getting the order, and for refusing to pay the bribe and risking the loss of the order. What those arguments could be? Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits.

5. Rameshwar successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examinations and was excited about the opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining the services, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined.

He found a number of malpractices prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark. Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on. Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Rameshwar brought these incidents to the notice of his seniors. However, he was advised to keep his eyes, ears and mouth shut and ignore all these things which were taking place with the connivance of the higher-ups. Rameshwar felt highly disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice.

Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?

6. In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the urban areas. In fact, things are becoming really unmanageable. Can you analyze this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why-

(a) educated rural youth are trying to shift to urban areas;

(b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums;

(c) even some farmers are selling off their land and trying to settle in urban areas taking up petty jobs.

What feasible steps can you suggest which will be effective in controlling this serious problem of our country?

1. A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PlO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who were party to these decisions. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result into lesser punishment or no punishment.

The P10 is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but this particular decision, on which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice.

The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options:

(i) The PIO could refer the matter to his superior officer and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior.

(ii) The PIO could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO.

(iii) The PIO could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information.

(iv) The PIO could consult his other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice.

Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.

2. You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior Engineers have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one of your surprise inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunae which, in your opinion, are likely to affect the safety of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require a substantial amount of demolition and rework which will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on the Corporation to get this construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you brought this matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed.

What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons.

(i) Follow the advice of the Chief Engineer and go ahead.

(ii) Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own viewpoints stated clearly and seek for written orders from the Chief Engineer.

(iii) Call for explanation from the Junior Engineers and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction within targeted time.

(iv) Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above the Chief Engineer.

(v) Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report sick.

3. Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy of the area is largely dependent on firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic development and improved standard of living in the area.

So far as child labour norms for hazardous industries like firecrackers industry are concerned, International Labour Organization (ILO) has set the minimum age as 18 years. In India, however, this age is 14 years.

The units in industrial clusters of firecrackers can be classified into registered and non-registered entities. One typical unit is household-based work. Though the law is clear on the use of child labour employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based works. Household-based work means children working under the supervision of their parents/relatives. To evade child labour norms, several units project themselves as household-based works but employ children from outside. Needless to say that employing children saves the costs for these units leading to higher profits to the owners.

On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi, the owner takes you around the unit which has about 10—15 children below 14 years of age. The owner tells you that in his household-based unit, the children are all his relatives. You notice that several children smirk, when the owner tells you this. On deeper enquiry, you figure out that neither the owner nor the children are able to satisfactorily establish their relationship with each other.

(a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.

(b) What would be your reaction after your above visit?

4. You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the post of professors. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the functionary for this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long pending and urgent proposals of your institute for grant of funds for modernization, which are awaiting the functionary’s approval. He assures you that he would get these proposals cleared.

(a) What are the options available to you?

(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.

5. As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have far-reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of quality work for the Government and is known to be close to your immediate superior, who asks you to disclose this information to the said builder.

6. You are the Executive Director of an upcoming Infotech Company which is making a name for itself in the market.

Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS’s to all the team members including his female colleagues.

One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains against the continued mis conduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances towards her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin.

She tenders her resignation and leaves your office.

(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains Exam

With every passing day, the democratic setup of India is strengthening, so are its administrative wings where transparency and accountability are evident. Well, it gives credibility to the fact that there are top administrative officers whose brilliant performance is at par excellence. Amid rigorous competition, UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission ) gets efficient candidates on-board who crack this toughest exam in India to serve the nation. This competitive examination includes 3 steps, Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview. Nevertheless, it’s a daunting task to crack such exam without meticulous preparation and strategies. In this blog, we have collated information related to the UPSC essay writing topics and their related components. It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC Essay Topics which have been widely asked in previous years question papers .

Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay writing topics , you need to start practicing:

Social Topics

• Literacy and education.
• Modernization and Westernization in India
• Gender Equality-problems and perspectives
• Information Revolution and its increasing effects
• Consumerist culture and its effects.
• Reservation: Need, problems and solutions
• The issue of child labour: what to do?
• The mentality of misusing freedom
• Composite culture of India
• Rewriting of History
• The problem of conversion and its solution
• Uniform Civil Code: Need and perspective
• Sustainable Development
• Population Explosion:  Problem and solution
• Indian nationalism: Nature and perspectives
• The freedom of expression and its limitations.
• Socialism: An irrelevant ideology
• The responsibilities of Journalism
• Human Rights: Need of every human being        
• Corruption: A part of our way of life
• The problem of language and its solution             
• Need of saving childhood
• Youth unrest: Causes and solutions
• The problem of vulgarity
• Need for a youth and culture policy
• Indian culture: Unity in Diversity.

Like above questions Mirant Parikh, IAS(AIR 67, CSE 2016) has written Essay on one of above questions:

Click here for Full Copy

Political topics.

• India as a soft state
• The Constitutional Review: need and perspective
• The need of interaction between administration and public
• Every right is attached with a duty.
• The criminalization of politics
• Political instability: A hurdle in national development
• Achievements and failures of Democracy in India
• Is India really a secular state?
• Parliamentary Democracy: situation, problems and solutions
• Corruption in politics
• Judicial Activism
• The need of sensible administration
• National Security: Challenges and hopes
• Democracy: A way of life
• Kashmir problem: Need of a proper solution
• Coalition politics: past, present and future
• The gifts of Democracy: Casteism, Regionalism and Communalism.

Economic Topics

• India in the age of privatization, liberalization and globalization.
• New economic policies and the ideal of Democratic Socialism
• Poverty and socialism: the Indian contradiction
• New economic policies: oceans of poverty and islands of wealth
• Regional imbalance in development
• Human resource development and management.

International Topics

• The problems of third world countries
• The problem of international terrorism
• India's contribution to the world
• United Nations: Evaluation
• Human Rights: A universal propaganda
• Indian foreign policy: Need of restructuring
• India and its neighboring countries
• Idealism and pragmatism in foreign policy.

Mock answer by Mirant Parikh, IAS (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Click here for full copy

Philosophical/imaginative topics.

• God is a subject of belief, not of reason
• The philosophy of post-modernism in context of India
• India's basic philosophy and its effect on our society
• Religion and Politics: the professions without capital
• 'Who cares’: the basic of youth culture.

Other topics

• New concepts of alternative medicine: Realities about them
• Natural disasters: the management of rescue
• Need of a sport policy for India
• Environment Protection: problem and solution.

Essay Preparation Strategy By: Mirant Parikh (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Apart from these topics, candidates should browse through articles, columns, features of newspapers, magazines, journals for the preparation of good essays. Regular clippings and jotting down of important points on the side of clipped topics will ease your time and tension while giving a cursory look during the UPSC IAS examination period.

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UPSC Essay Topics

The Upsc Essay Topics change every year, and aspirants are never sure what they will be. They can be about things like how the economy is doing, how women can be stronger, art and culture, or how the media affects us. Moreover, it’s a good idea to look at the essay questions from previous years to get an idea of what might be asked. This will help you practice writing essays and do well in the exam. With enough practice, you can become good at writing essays for the UPSC exam .

Furthermore, the IAS Essay section is very important in the UPSC exam. It contains 250 marks, and you must write two essay questions in three hours, each 1000 to 1200 words. Additionally, to prepare, it’s a good idea to look at previous upsc essay papers to understand what essay topics upsc might come up in the exam.

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You can also check for UPSC Mains Toppers Booklist . [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am5JYNs9Y08[/embedyt]

UPSC Essay Topics 2024

The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine papers in the UPSC Mains exam . It’s a chance for candidates to share their opinions on social, economic, and political issues. UPSC usually chooses topics that are either related to current events or have a big impact on society. Moreover, some important IAS essay topics for the UPSC exam could include:

• Development
• Urbanisation
• Globalisation
• Bureaucracy/Civil Service
• Constitution
• Water Security
• Poverty/Hunger/Food Security
• Human Resources- Employment
• Social Media
• Privacy/Surveillance

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UPSC Essay Topics: Previous Year Question Paper

Having access to the previous year’s essay topics can be useful. It gives you an idea of the types of essays asked in previous years. Moreover, That’s why we’ve provided the UPSC essay topics from the previous year’s UPSC question paper below.

• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2022
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2021
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2020
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2019
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2018

You can also check for how to write an essay for upsc .

UPSC Essay Topics: Topic wise

Here, we will discuss different UPSC Essay Topics that are frequently asked in the UPSC Examination.

UPSC Essay Topics on Administration 

If you want to prepare for Polity and Administration topics for the UPSC exam, you can start by reading books on Polity and Public Administration. Moreover, these books provide basic information about relevant issues and their history, which can be useful when writing essay questions on Polity and Public Administration for the UPSC exam. Some UPSC essay topics on these topics could include:

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• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanisation?
• Politics without ethics is a disaster.
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy.
• The language politics in India: its past, present, and future.
• Is a better disaster management system need of the hour?
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Need for transparency in public administration.
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy.

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

To write an essay on Science and Technology topics for the UPSC exam, you can start by following current affairs related to this field. You can also refer to books on Science and Technology for UPSC to get a multidimensional perspective. Moreover, some possible Science and Tech UPSC essay topics could include:

• The modern doctor and his patients.
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change-resilient India.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
• Value-based science and education.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilisation in the long run.
• The lure of space.
• Spirituality and scientific temper.
• The march of science and the erosion of human values.
• The cyberworld: Its charms and challenges.
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible?

UPSC Essay Topics on Women Empowerment

UPSC encourages gender equality in the workplace and often includes essay topics related to women. The UPSC Essay topics aims to understand the candidate’s level of critical thinking and ability to express their thoughts. Including data, references, and real-life examples can help earn extra marks while writing essays. Moreover, some possible UPSC essay topics related to women and women empowerment could include:

• Challenges and Prospects of Women Empowerment
• Ground realities of the new emerging women power
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
• Is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal- Managing work and home?
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What if all the developed countries had women as their heads?
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight.
• Whither women’s emancipation?

UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Culture & Society

The UPSC essay topics related to Indian society, art, and culture are always diverse. To prepare for these topics, candidates can read basic books on society that are typically referred to during the exam. Moreover, you can also use Art & Culture Notes for UPSC to help with your preparation. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to Indian culture and society are:

• Are new cults and godmen threats to the traditional religion?
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
• Indian society is at a crossroads.
• The composite culture of Indian society
• Where the Youth culture of today is heading towards
• As civilisation progresses, culture declines.

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophical Type

Every year, UPSC includes two or more UPSC essay topics related to philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from famous personalities. Students can refer to Philosophy Books for UPSC to prepare for these topics to gain a basic background. Moreover, some possible UPSC essay topics related to philosophy or quotes from famous personalities are:

• Be the change you want to see in others.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it.
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
• If youth knew if age could.
• Useless life is an early death.
• Search for truth can only be attained through spiritual means.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Words are sharper than a two-edged sword

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education is a popular UPSC essay topics , and almost every year, an essay related to education is asked in the paper. Moreover, to prepare for this topic, staying updated with current affairs and major changes and developments related to the field is important. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to education for UPSC could include:

• Privatisation of the higher education system in India.
• Does growth in literacy correspond to growth in education?
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather make a man a more clever devil.
• Concept of Real Education
• Restructuring of the Indian education system with respect to the NEP
• The destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Education for all”: myth or reality.

UPSC Essay Topics on Economic Growth

UPSC frequently includes IAS essay topics on economic growth, development, and the MNC (multi-national corporation) sector. To prepare for these topics, candidates can refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to get a general overview of the subject. Moreover, once you grasp the basics well, you can add examples, data, and figures to make your essay more multi-dimensional. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to economics for UPSC could include:

• Can tourism be the next big thing for India?
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) should be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Are the Multinational corporations saviours or saboteurs?
• Is the Digital economy a leveller or a source of economic inequality?
• Is it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Future of BPO Culture in India
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic.
• Is the near jobless growth in India an anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?

You can also check for UPSC Calendar 2023 .

Upsc Essay Topics: Things to keep in mind

Writing is a way to show how you think. When an examiner reads your essay, they can understand your thought process. An essay is a well-structured set of ideas on a specific topic. Moreover, to score well on the UPSC Essay paper , it’s important to practice and be persistent. The essay is about factual knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. To score well on the UPSC Essay paper, follow these steps:

• Choose the Right Essay

The UPSC Essay paper has two sections, and you have to write one essay from each section. Both essays have 125 marks each and must be 1000-1200 words. Before choosing a topic, it’s important to reflect on it and consider if it’s too controversial or if you have enough information to write about it.

• Examine the Topic

When you select UPSC Essay Topics , it’s important to take some time to think about the topic and write down the main keywords that you will use in your essay. This will help you organise your thoughts and ensure you cover all the key points.

Taking a multidimensional approach is important when writing your essay, which means considering different perspectives and angles.

Additionally, structure your essay clearly and concisely, with an introduction that sets the stage for the rest of the essay, a body that covers your main points, and a conclusion that summarises your key ideas and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

• Structure well

The introduction is a crucial part of the UPSC Essay Topics and should provide a brief idea about the topic. It should convey your perspective on the topic. The essay’s main body should be divided into well-connected small paragraphs. The language should be simple, clear, and easy to comprehend.

Moreover, the focus should be on critical thinking rather than using complex vocabulary. If necessary, include relevant facts and data. Using quotes and sayings can add weight to the essay. The conclusion should be clear and concise. While writing, strive for a neutral or balanced approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: Do UPSC Topics get repeated?

Ans: That’s correct. While UPSC may repeat essay topics from previous years, they are likely to ask a different question with the exact same wording. Instead, they may tweak the language or focus of the question slightly to test a candidate’s understanding and analytical skills. Moreover, it is also true that certain topics, such as history, economics, and Indian polity, tend to be asked more frequently than others.

Q2: How many essay questions are asked in the upsc essay paper?

Ans: The UPSC Essay Paper consists of two sections, each containing four to five essay topics. Candidates need to choose one essay topic from each section and write an essay of 1000 to 1200 words on each topic. Moreover, each essay is worth 125 marks, and the total mark for the UPSC Essay Paper is 250.

Q3: How can I write a good essay for UPSC?

Ans: Keeping notes and staying updated with current affairs is crucial in developing a deep understanding of various topics. Reading books, journals, and other publications related to the UPSC Essay Topics can also help enhance knowledge and vocabulary. Moreover, ractising writing essays regularly and getting feedback from mentors or peers to improve writing skills is also important.

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Study Material

UPSC Syllabus 2024, IAS Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF

UPSC Book List

GS Foundation Course for UPSC

Download UPSC Syllabus PDF

UPSC Prelims Result 2024

The UPSC syllabus is designed to assess candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and analytical abilities, and it comprises two stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims) and the Main Examination (Mains), followed by an interview/personality test. The UPSC Syllabus for Prelims includes two compulsory papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (also known as the CSAT or Civil Services Aptitude Test). These papers cover a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, economics, polity, environment, science, and current affairs.

The syllabus for UPSC Mains examination is more specialized and consists of nine papers, including one essay paper, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two language papers (both qualifying in nature).

UPSC Syllabus PDF

The UPSC syllabus PDF serves as a roadmap for candidates, providing them with a clear understanding of what is expected in each stage of the examination, which includes the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). Candidates can download the UPSC Syllabus PDF for Prelims and Mains from the following links:

• UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF
• UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

The first stage of the exam, i.e., the Civil Services Preliminary Exam is only a screening test and is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Marks secured in the Preliminary Exam are not taken into account while preparing the final merit.

Preliminary Exam consists of two papers of objective type carrying a maximum of 400 marks.

General Studies Paper-I Syllabus

It has 100 questions broadly covering the following topics, carrying a maximum of 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours.

• Current events of National & International importance.
• History of India & Indian National Movement.
• Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India & the World.
• Indian Polity & Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic & Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change – that do not require subject specialization.
• General Science.

UPSC Syllabus for General Studies Paper-II

It comprises of 80 questions from the following topics carrying a maximum of 200 marks to be solved in 2 hours.

• Comprehension.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
• Logical reasoning & analytical ability.
• Decision making & problem solving.
• General mental ability.
• Basic numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

CSAT is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%. It is mandatory for a candidate to appear in both the Papers of the IAS Prelim Exam for the purpose of evaluation.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

Civil Services Main Examination consists of written examination and interview (personality test). Civil Services Main Examination consists of following papers divided into 2 categories – qualifying & papers to be counted for merit.

Important Points:

• The papers on Indian languages and English (Paper A and paper B) will be of qualifying nature and the marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.
• The papers on Indian languages and English (Paper A and paper B) will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard.
• The papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance who attain 25% marks in ‘Indian Language’ and 25% in ‘English’ as minimum qualifying standards in these qualifying papers.
• Marks obtained by the candidates for the Paper I-VII only will be counted for merit ranking.
• The question papers for the main examination will be of conventional (essay) type and each paper will be of 3 hour duration.
• Candidates will have the option to answer all the question papers, except the Qualifying Language Papers, Paper-A and Paper-B, in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India or in English.
• The question papers (other than the literature of language papers) will be set in Hindi and English only.
• Compensatory time of twenty minutes per hour shall be permitted for the Blind candidates and the candidates with locomotor disability and cerebral palsy where dominant (writing) extremity is affected to the extent of slowing the performance of function (minimum of 40% impairment) in both the Civil Services (Preliminary) as well as in the Civil Services (Main) Examination.

UPSC Syllabus for Qualifying Papers (Indian Languages and English)

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

English Language:

• Comprehension of given passages.
• Precise Writing.
• Usage and Vocabulary.
• Short Essays.

Indian Languages:

• Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

UPSC Essay Syllabus

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics.

They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

UPSC GS 1 Syllabus

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

• Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
• Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
• The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
• Salient features of Indian Society , Diversity of India .
• Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
• Effects of globalization on Indian society.
• Social empowerment, communalism , regionalism & secularism .
• Salient features of world’s physical geography.
• Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
• Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

UPSC Syllabus for Mains GS Paper 2

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

• Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure .
• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
• Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
• Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
• Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
• Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act .
• Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
• Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
• Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
• Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
• Role of civil services in a democracy.
• India and its neighborhood- relations.
• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
• Important International institutions, agencies and fora - their structure, mandate.

UPSC GS 3 Syllabus

Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

• Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting.
• Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System-objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
• Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
• Land reforms in India.
• Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• Investment models.
• Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
• Achievements of Indians in science & technology ; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics , Nano-technology , bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights .
• Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
• Disaster and disaster management.
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
• Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
• Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

GS Paper 4 Syllabus

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.

Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.

The following broad areas will be covered:

• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
•  Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
• Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
• Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
• Case Studies on above issues.

UPSC Optional Syllabus

Optional Subject Papers I & II:

A candidate may opt for any one Optional Subject from the following:

• UPSC Agriculture Syllabus
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC
• Civil Engineering
• UPSC Commerce and Accountancy Syllabus
• UPSC Economics Syllabus
• Electrical Engineering
• Geography Syllabus for UPSC
• UPSC Geology Syllabus
• UPSC History Syllabus
• UPSC Law Optional Syllabus
• UPSC Maths Optional Syllabus
• Mechanical Engineering
• UPSC Medical Science Syllabus
• UPSC Philosophy Syllabus
• UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus
• PSIR Optional Syllabus
• UPSC Psychology Syllabus
• Public Administration Optional Syllabus
• Sociology Optional Syllabus
• Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

Each Optional Subject has 2 compulsory papers.

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